THE PALMER HOUSE HILTON

Arrived after long international flight . The reception we got was slow and lacking in any welcome . The room we were allocated was small the bathroom was smaller , but it was clean , not that you should even have to mention this in a four star hotel . The bar area was quite quiet as we sat awaiting a waiter , when he did appear we asked for a menu and off he went , appearing after a while with menu then off never too be seen again , I had to wait at the bar while he barmaid served all that sat down until I waived a twenty dollar note at that point she took my order which took ages to fullfill , we booked the Palmer house as it looked great on Michael portillos tv show . And it does look great from lobby reception and bar , but it's all top show it's got a great location near to jazz/blues bars shops and millennium park and the bean but next time it will be the westin

As one would suspect of a house of this vintage, you will fine this halcyon hall possesses a lot of charm and embellishment from a bygone era.... We found the digs generally inviting; the door-persons are covered up to the point there is little they can utter is more than a welcome... On entering the "S", street level; there are 3 options of entrance and egress, you will discover the coffee and confection shops, as well as, the usual dealer in pricey, adornments of personal attire. What was also interesting was to see the secluded port of entry for the celebrities of various levels of lists. Those levels are an entirely different league of appointment that those allied with the rank and file.... The Lobby level is accessible by vary stairs, elevator or escalator where one will discover the adornment of the Arts and Crafts era at ceiling to cornice height; from there down the space is all manner of contemporary Beaux-arts and such. Depending on the time of day, one will note various degrees of interaction and, the promenade of the herd... The bar and lobby service is rather utilitarian at best; mixology lacking and, more than a wait if one chooses to dine in these environs... There is Potter's which in a misbegotten setting, hails itself to be a burger and brew joint. The ambiance is more of the former lounge-lizard variety... There is still a niche for the hat and coat check but, that was never open during our 5 day stay.... The 3-Deck level elevators were prompt, speedy and, generally quiet but for the dated video that looks more post-apoplectic/matrix than informative or, inviting.... The decor of the rooms have more to do with the 70's than the present.... I was thinking there was a chance to view Johnny Carson or The Flip Wilson Comedy Hour....on the flat screen. Our room sported a King Size not to worn, the digs are smallish for the buck-bang but, it is what to expect. The shower was hot, the linens fresh and the bath well illuminated. The maid service was very professional and tidy..... Room Service is deplorable, at best. A coffee maker was sitting in the hall when we arrived and, was still in situ on departure...., 5 days later. We had a corner room on the "13th" Floor that was shoehorned in from what had been a three room suite. The view of the adjoining masonry wall was a wonder..... The space was free of the noise from the "L", the horn honking and the vibrance of the city. Be advised, after 23:00 it would be wise to not venture out into the streets; a whole new level of activity is in full motion and, it did not present itself with the warm and fuzzy. Needless to say, we have crossed this nest off of our hostel destinations and, will look forward to other digs when we return to Chicago.... It is worth the peek inside, a view of the Peacock Doors and a swirl around the Lobby.... After that, I would seek stay further afield....

Stayed in this classic property for a wedding weekend. Excellent location - easy access to public transportation, walk to Grant Park and the lakefront, etc. Staff was excellent as well - no one failed to say Hello, and when we asked the housekeeper in passing for some fresh towels, they were in our room when we returned. Beautiful classic lobby - note there is always a line for check-in but it moves efficiently. We had a two-double-bed room which was quite spacious. Amazing workout facility! However some of the finishings are tired - sunken spot in the floor leading to the bathroom was a trip hazard, bad corners in the bathroom, worn wallpaper peeling... For this price would have been nice to have our own mini fridge in the room (don't touch the hotel beverage fridge, you might get charged). Overall a very good, but not top-notch stay.

This is an old Chicago hotel with a lot of history and a grand lobby. The rooms however could use a little updating. I was met with a slight musty odor upon entering the room. The room was clean but a bit worn. The paint on the bathroom ceiling had started to bubble and flake in places. Bathroom amenities were sparse with only one bar of soap provided to share between the sink and the shower. There was no body wash. The beds were comfortable but unremarkable. All in all, I think there are nicer options in the Loop area.

This was our first trip to Chicago. We loved this hotel. First, access was easy . We took the El in from Midway $3.00 !! The El stop is 1 block from the entrance. The main lobby is elegant and impressive. The art and adornments were tasteful and well done from an era when artists and craftsmen took justified pride in their creations. The check in desk staff was efficient and quick. The concierge desk staff ,especially Robert, were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They made getting around a new city easy. They asked about our interests and provided excellent recommendations and directions. They were interested in our feedback as well. The room was very quiet. The bed was comfortable. The maid service was great. The bar in the main lobby was better than average also with great service and plenty of areas for conversation. I would recommend this hotel to anyone.